Where does Veillonella obtain lactate?

Where does Veillonella obtain lactate?

• A. From other bacteria
• B. From the air
• C. From plant material
• D. From the host bloodstream

Answer: (A)

Veillonella relies on metabolic cross-feeding in the oral biofilm: it uses lactate that is produced by neighboring bacteria during carbohydrate fermentation. In dental plaque, organisms like Streptococcus species break down sugars and release lactic acid (lactate) into the local environment. Veillonella then takes up that lactate as its carbon and energy source and converts it, typically into propionate and acetate, helping to moderate the acid level in the biofilm. This is why lactate comes from other bacteria rather than from the air, plant material, or the host bloodstream in this context.

Veillonella relies on metabolic cross-feeding in the oral biofilm: it uses lactate that is produced by neighboring bacteria during carbohydrate fermentation. In dental plaque, organisms like Streptococcus species break down sugars and release lactic acid (lactate) into the local environment. Veillonella then takes up that lactate as its carbon and energy source and converts it, typically into propionate and acetate, helping to moderate the acid level in the biofilm. This is why lactate comes from other bacteria rather than from the air, plant material, or the host bloodstream in this context.